My tint/detail shop offers a year long wax/paint protectant see here(Paint Protection | Automotive Window Tinting Naperville) - is this type of thing legit? Or am I etter off hitting the detail car wash and having hand wax applied every few months?

I've talked with people who say this is good and provides a nice gloss to the car, but i am a bit skeptical - the coast is $120 Any help / advice is appreciated.

 

Why not just use this stuff??

 

It's a polymer sealant, not a wax at all. I have no idea how good it is, but it's not likely to last a whole year. If it's a good one it may last 6 to 8 months at best depending on a number of factors.

 

I'd agree - not likely it will last a year. I am more wondering if it makes sense to do the tried and true wax method (more effort more often). I'm thinking of trying it to save some of the hassle. Otherwise, I get ~2-3 months out of the had wax at the local carwash/detailer - that and the wait. My sense is stay old school.

 

The only paint protection that has durability that is measured in years are the new coatings (OPT Opti-Coat)

A polymer sealant has a durability of 9-12 months, a wax 3-6 months

 

There's no such thing that lasts that long. One reason is your clearcoat has to breath and if there were this magic sealant/wax that actually sealed off the clear for a year the clear would first "die back" meaning lose its gloss then it would eventually delaminate.

If you don't believe clearcoats and single stage paints need to breath (they aren't totally 100% waterproof either), ask any guy who owns a boat who doesn't pull his boat out of the water every 30-60 days whether he would put single stage urethane or polyurethane paint and/or clearcoat "below the water line", or if he would use a coating specifically designed for being submerged.

If you still don't believe this, go get some 4mil clear plastic sheeting and lay it over you car for a month while its outside in the weather. Car covers breath for a reason.

 

So in general which is better a polymer sealant OR WAX? OR BOTH? I ask this question because my brother who also just bought a G and got the xzilon treatment. It looks amazing - I can honestly say it really does (before and after results). Unfortunately the dealer charges an outrageous amount; though you can buy the kit on ebay - which I am contemplating. Any thoughts?

 

Cause that's rubbish

 

Yep - my question. Is that the one that costs $1500?

 

Newly applied paint needs to outgas (breath if you will) but once the solvents have evaporated you are able to wax, apply a polymer sealant or a nano coating without causing the paint to delaminate

Loss of gloss is most often caused by using harsh chemicals / detergents.

There are vehicle paint surfaces that have been 'sealed' for two years (so far) with a nano structure coating that are in better condition now, with a higher gloss then when they were new

Nanotechnology Coatings - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ml#post1448634

 

Well he paint 400 but if you want the life time warranty then it was like 700... Even though only authorized dealers can buy the stuff it can be had for around 50 on eBay. Now for sure it does a great job of adding usher to the car... Regarding it's longevity he jsu got it applied right before the hurricane and all he did was wash his car after the storm and it looked like he waxed it after driving a few miles. water beds up and does not stick at all. The dealer gives a life time warraty if you have them apply this on bird droppings acid rain etc. Now I am not the only one who has seen or known someone who has used this. Couple guys I work with have it applied to their mercs for over 5 years and yes still looks good. I do suspect that it does depend on who applies it will determine it's longevity. It goes on and wipes off... You can apply a whole car in about 45 minutes.

 

So explain to us how a detailer applied paint sealer offers UV protection:

Nanotechnology offers superior durability, hydrophobicity, surface hardness and scratch resistance, resistance to environmental contaminants, works like a clear coat in providing ultra violet (UV) and heat radiation protection without colour change (yellowing) or oxidation and easier maintenance, simply rinsing with plain water results in a clean surface without loss of gloss. I think these products will have a profound impact and radically change auto detailing

 

I don't believe a nano coating can last 2 years, unless it's parked inside away from the elements. As it is now, I reapply my black diamond after every wash because my climate is considered "harsh."

 

^^^^ It can't.

Neither can a detailer applied nano-something 100% seal of your clearcoat long term without allowing it to breath, nor can some detailer applied nano-something provide UV protection.

 

The same way a clear coat paint provides UV protection, a chemical additive